Tragically Hip

Today is the birthday of Gordon Downie, lead singer of Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip. They are definitely one of the best bands Canada has ever produced and probably my favourite. We saw them in concert once and they were incredible (including Downie’s infamous stage banter)!

Canada Post released a postal card in their honour in July 2013.

I noticed this card shortly after it was released at my local pharmacy’s Canada Post outlet. It was the first time I was aware that Canada Post produced cool postal cards– as previously I’d just seen their uninspired postcards of the moose and loons.

Canada Post is still selling The Hip postcard. Here’s their write-up on the band:

Five friends from Kingston, Ontario – Gordon Downie, Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair, and Johnny Fay – founded The Tragically Hip in 1984. The band’s name, chosen quickly before their first gig, was inspired by Elephant Parts, a short video by former Monkee Michael Nesmith.

Known for their powerful, energetic live performances, The Hip has established a demanding concert itinerary, touring extensively in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

The band has released 12 studio albums, 2 live albums, one extended play (EP), and 54 singles, and sold millions of records worldwide. Enjoying mass popularity and critical success, The Hip has received numerous awards, including 14 JUNO Awards, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award and induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.